I turned 60 this year. Not really old, but I want to be able to live in my house as long as possible, so I’m just getting things automated to make life easier.
@Netwitz Thanks for your comment – that’s such an important perspective, and honestly, one I hadn’t fully considered before.
Which devices, automations or use-cases do you think are especially helpful for older people who want to stay independent and comfortable at home?
One example that comes to mind is the fall detection feature of the Aqara FP2 presence sensor – a small thing with potentially huge impact.
Another idea: a motion sensor in the hallway outside an elderly person’s bedroom doesn’t just have to turn on the light. You could also use it to check whether there’s been any movement in the morning. If there’s no motion by a certain time, the system could send a notification to a caregiver or family member – just in case something’s wrong. That’s the kind of peace of mind smart homes can offer.
But I’m sure there’s more. What else could make a real difference for seniors, even if it’s something younger folks don’t really think about (yet)?
Always remember: “If your car is smarter than your home… you’re driving into the future while living in the past”
Definitely presence sensors for falls, turning lights on and off, especially if in a wheelchair since it’s harder to get around. Sensors that caregivers, family or guests don’t have to worry about figuring out turning things on and off, closing blinds, etc. I’m sure there will be more and different devices created by the time I would really need them, especially with an aging population. I’ll just be able to adapt easier and faster if I start now.
I’ve always been a gadget lover — I like trying out new tech and sometimes I even manage to make it useful .
The real starting point for me was when my partner got tired of needing three different remotes just to watch TV. At that time we had to turn on:
the TV (IR remote),
the old surround set (also IR, with wired speakers),
and the TV box from our provider.
Because the equipment was quite outdated, I couldn’t calibrate everything to a single remote like you often can nowadays. Since all of it relied on infrared, I ended up looking for a solution and… well… don’t hate me for this on an Aqara forum , but I bought a Homey Pro because it supported IR.
It might sound like an expensive solution just for “turning on the TV,” but once the automation was in place it was such a relief — one button and everything worked.
From that point on, automation only grew. I discovered Aqara, and let’s just say my mailbox started filling with packages in the months that followed. I began replacing traditional lights with smart bulbs so everything would turn on automatically in the evening, and with one button I could turn everything off again.
We later moved to a bigger apartment, and I’m now trying to automate as many repetitive tasks as possible (like switching lights on and off). Another big motivation — also a money-saving one — was that lights often stayed on without us noticing. Thanks to Aqara sensors, I can now have lights automatically switch off after a certain time.
Comfort, convenience, and the love of tech — that’s what keeps me going.
Because I don’t want to waste my life operating light switches and radiator thermostats. Instead, I want to waste my life programming and maintaining a smart home
Comfort & convenience
Security & surveillance
Save energy & be eco-friendly
Love for tech & gadgets
Curiosity & experimentation
Because it looks cool
I already had too many smart devices
I honestly don’t know — it just happened
Other (please share in the comments!)
, but I bought a Homey Pro because it supported IR.
